spigot

[ spig-uht ]

noun

1. a small peg or plug for stopping the vent of a cask.
2. a peg or plug for stopping the passage of liquid in a faucet or cock.
3. a faucet or cock for controlling the flow of liquid from a pipe or the like.
4. the end of a pipe that enters the enlarged end of another pipe to form a joint.

spigot

/ ˈspɪɡət /

noun

1. a stopper for the vent hole of a cask
2. a tap, usually of wood, fitted to a cask
3. a US name for tap 2
4. a short cylindrical projection on one component designed to fit into a hole on another, esp the male part of a joint ( spigot and socket joint ) between two pipes

Word History and Origins

Origin of spigot¹

1350–1400; Middle English spigot, perhaps < Old French *espigot < Old Provençal espig ( a ) (< Latin spīca ear of grain; spica ) + Old French -ot diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of spigot¹

C14: probably from Old Provençal espiga a head of grain, from Latin spīca a point

Example Sentences

The initial sampling effort started with hose spigots, which could be collected quickly and provide insight on interior plumbing.

From Los Angeles Times

Disney and DirecTV still generate billions of dollars in revenue from traditional pay-TV packages and they want to keep the spigot running.

From Los Angeles Times

He found some containers, filled them with water from a spigot outside and vowed to never again deliver dogs to California.

From Los Angeles Times

Water will be unavailable from spigots in South Rim dry campgrounds, but bathroom faucets will still work.

From Los Angeles Times

Throughout the campground, there are flush toilets, sinks to wash dishes and spigots with drinking water.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• nozzle
• valve